Overview Of Classification Methodology For Determining Land Capability
For Agriculture
The map above
shows the varying agricultural potential of soils in
south-central Manitoba, over a distance of approximately 140 km (85
miles), primarily west of Lake Manitoba and south of Riding Mountain
National Park. It indicates classes and subclasses, based on
characteristics of soil as determined by soil surveys. The mineral
soils are grouped into 7 classes and 13 subclasses, according to their
potential production of field crops. Organic soils are not a part of
the classification and are shown as a single separate unit (0).
Agricultural
classification is based on several important factors: 1)
The soils will be well managed and cropped, under a largely mechanized
system. 2) Land requiring improvements, including clearing, that can be
made economically by the farmer, is classed according to its
limitations or hazards in use after the improvements have been made.
Land requiring improvements beyond the means of the farmer is classed
according to its present condition. 3) The following are not
considered: distances to marker, kind of roads, location , size of
farms, type of ownership, cultural patters, skill or resources of
individual operations, and hazard of crop damage by storms. 4) The
classification does not include capability of soils for trees, tree
fruits, small fruits, ornamental plants, recreation, or wildlife. 5)
The classes are based on the intensity, rather than kinds, of their
limitations for agriculture. Each class includes many kinds of soil,
and many of the soils in any class require unique management and
treatment. 6) Land given a capability classification of 6 or 7 will
never warrant irrigation since the benefits derived from irrigation
would be negligible. For this reason, capability Classes 6 and 7 will
always appear in the non-irrigated portion (Classes A to C) of a land
unit classification.
Land
Capability Class Descriptions for Agriculture
The classes
indicate the degree of limitation imposed by the soil in its use for
mechanized agriculture.
1 - Soils in this
class have no significant limitations in use for crops.
2 - Soils in this
class have moderate limitations that restrict the range of crops or
require moderate conservation practices.
3 - Soils in this
class have moderately severe limitations that restrict the range of
crops or require special conservation practices.
4 - Soils in this
class have severe limitations that restrict the range of crops or
require special conservation practices.
5 - Soils in this
class gave very severe limitations that restrict their capability in
producing perennial forage crops, and improvement practices are
feasible.
6 - Soils in this class are capable only
of producing perennial forage crops, and improvement practices are not
feasible.
7 - Soils in this
class have no capacity for arable culture or permanent pasture.
10 - Organic Soils
(not placed in capability classes).
|
